Barbican to be upgraded, Centre for Music will not go ahead

The City of London Corporation has outlined its financial commitments to the cultural sector in the Square Mile.

The Barbican Centre is to undergo a major renewal, in a move approved today by the policy and resources committee. 

The 40-year-old complex is to be reimagined and upgraded, with proposed improvements looking to increase sustainability, create new civic spaces, and expand its digital offering.

A competitive selection process to find a world-class architect-led team to take this project forward will be launched later this year.

A further grant for the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has also been confirmed. The orchestra was founded in 1904 and has been resident at the Barbican Centre since its opening in March 1982.

The corporation has also announced two years' ongoing funding for Culture Mile, an initiative to create a new destination for creativity, innovation, and learning in the north-west corner of the Square Mile.

CoLC has confirmed that plans for a Centre for Music will not be progressed, citing 'current unprecedented circumstances'. Alternative proposals for the site – currently occupied by the Museum of London – will be brought forward over the coming months. .

City of London Corporation Policy Chair, Catherine McGuinness said: 'Support for culture and the arts has never been more important, and we recognise that this sector will play a vital role in the post-Covid recovery of the City, the capital, and the UK.

'The Barbican is the jewel in the City’s cultural crown and as it looks to celebrate its 40th birthday next year, it is the right time to explore how best to safeguard its heritage and its unrivalled position on the international arts and culture scene.

'Our continuing support for the LSO, the City’s flagship performing arts company and a great ambassador for the City at home and overseas, and the development of Culture Mile announced today demonstrate our commitment to integrating arts and culture into the Square Mile’s world-leading offer. We will continue to support our globally-renowned arts venues, and the exciting plans for the new Museum of London as they progress, enhancing London’s economic growth and reaffirming the capital’s creative sector as a major player in the economic recovery from the pandemic.'

Managing director of the Barbican Centre, Sir Nicholas Kenyon, added: 'New times need new solutions. As we reimagine the City in a time of recovery, we are delighted that a major project to renew the Barbican will be launched in 2022, its 40th anniversary, updating our iconic venue in line with sustainability, climate action, and the ever-changing needs of audiences, communities, and our many performers, including our superb resident orchestra, the LSO. This will make the Barbican the creative home for the next generation.'

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk